The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1887-12-02
XVITI.-NEw. SERIES.

CAPTURING CARoLISA.-Tbere is an eviden
disposition in the North TO look on South Caro-
lima as the mightiest stronghold Of Bourbonisu
In the country, aud the fact that there is q
strong and growing Independent party in thai
State, which, sooner or later, is destined te
hold the reips of power, will not be accepted in
this region without some oogent proof. Such
proof Hon. J. Hendrix McIane, the Indepen.
dent candidate for Governor in1s82, AMI per-
haps the most conspicuous leader of the new
departure, submits in another column, TO the
Journal readers. The one thing which the
South Carolina Independents most keenly feel
ths need of Is the generous and active sym
paihy Of the Republicans Of the North, aud in
return for this they are willing to do all they
i, can toward the election Of q Republican Presi-
dent In 1888.
Mr.. McLane mainiains, and gives the figures
on which his belief is based, that South Caro-
lima on n free ballot and fair count will reject
the Bounhops by an overwhelming vote. With
odt Northern Republican assistance an honest
election is regarded as sheer impossibilty, SO
strongly are the Bourbons eutrenched in power,
but their very fadacity is hasteuing their over
throw by alternating the best elements of the
Democratic party in the State. It is the wide
spread and shameless corruption of Bourbon rule
Ia South Carolun which has made its defeat act
ually easier to accomplish there thai in neigh
boring States, Tennessee. Georgia and North Car
olina, for instansfsuce, whose Democratic ad-
ministrations are fsr Jess Objectionable.
II the Republicans are to make an effort to
break tho Solid South next year, the State of
South Carolina, in the light Of Mr.. McLane's
experience, would surely seem to offer the
greatest chances for success. One thing is we'll
worth noting, and that is that the Independent
movement, which Mr.. MoLans represents,
springs from the soil of South Carolina. and
has Its strength among the best classes offhe
State. It is no diversion Of Northern adventu-
rers anxious to be carried into Office by the
negro vote. Mr.. McLane in few weeks re-
turns to his home AFTER D short stay in New
England. He has succeeded In interesting
IN his oause several Of the foremost Republi.
guns Of this section, and Is preparing 10 begin
st an early dale vigorous campaign. It is
moro than possible that the Bourbon Gibraltar
may be the first point in the solid South to
yield.
SoNE SPECIMEN !, STORIES. = Mr.. McLane
was asked, "What excuse do the Democrats
offer for this Wholesale fraud f' He replied
"None at oil, except that their party claims
that they must and will hold power In spite OF
law or right. The Bourbon. used to elsim that
wealth and Intelligence should govern the
Statei that ignorant negroes should not hold
oico nor rule In public affairs. The Northern
people seemed satisfied with this excuse, and
were willing to accept this Bourbon plea rs
somewhat Of au exoneration for fraud in cleo
lions. But this was q false promise, a lie to
begin with, Bourbon device to deceive. The
ceIored people never did clamor for office, and
asa race are now and always have been in
favor Of good aud competent men 6lling the
Offices. There was never time since they
have been voters but when the best white men
10 the State could not have been elected TO office
by the help Of colored voters if the whites had
been wise and fair. In 1882, when the great
ct frauds that ever had been known wero COM
mitted, they were not committed against igno-
rant negroes, but more especially against native
white men. In respect 10 the intellectual
ability, social standing and financial worth,
the Independent nominees would not suffer by
comparison with the Democratic ticket. Had
II been left TO the educational qualification of
sthe voters the number of votes for the Inde-
pendent ticket would have for surpassed the
number Of votes for the Democratic ticket.
The vote Of the most intelligent and wealthy
man in the State is not nny more secure under
Bourbon management than is the vote of the
most ignorant and penniiess negro"
edo you think the Republicans could carry
the State in 1897"
.Ibey can, and 1 speak advisedly when
sly that the Independents throughout the
State think the same. South Carolina can be
carried for the National Republican ticket next
year easier than in any other State in the coun-
try. In voting for Congressman and Presden-
tial electors we con provide against the whole
frauds described in the Bourbon methods of
carrying State and county elections. The United
States statutes provide fer the appointment OF
supervisors from each party in Congressional
elections. ThuD the Independents would have
supervisors to look after their interests at the
polls and assure honest vote. The Bour-
bons, knowing this, have separated the State
from The Federal election, and have tbue shown
that they know they cannot hold tho State
in q national contest II the Republicans Of the
North encourage the Independents 10 make a
campaign. To get down to figures, know
that in that case the vote would stand as fol-
lows: The whole strength Of the Bourbons
does not exceed $4,000 Of the $1,000 white
voters, and this is less than one fourth of the
voting population. There arc about 120. 900
colored voters, at least 100000 Of whom can
safely he counted on to 60 with the white In
dependents. Allowisg that 10000 negroes and
10000 whites do not vote, from various causes,
you see there would be an opposing vote Of
100000 negroes and $4,000 Independents rs
agninst $4,000 Bourbon votes, which would
rnaLa claar nainriiu Of 1h lll for ihe nd nen-